Illinois Senate Floor Debate — October 12, 2007

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The regular Session of the Senate of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal. Senator Hunter.

Madam President, I move to postpone the Reading and Approval of the Journal of Thursday, October 11, 2007, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the Reading and Approval of the Journal pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Resolution Consent Calendar. Introduction of Bills. Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Messages, Madam Secretary.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) WTTW requests permission to videotape the Senate. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Chambers? All Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Chambers. Madam Secretary, have we received any motions to override the Governor’s specific recommendations for change of legislation?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Let it be printed on the schedule -- on the Calendar. To fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advise and 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Consent. Senator Hendon.

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in the Messages of the Governor, dated May 28th {sic} (25th), September 17th, October 4th and October 11th, 2007.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in the Messages from the Governor dated May 28th {sic}, September 17th, October 4th and October 11th, 2007. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of May 28 {sic}, 2007, I will read the salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be the Assistant Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, for a term commencing May 21st, 2007, and ending January 19th, 2009: Joseph Klinger. 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Madam President, having read the salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of May 28th {sic}, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of May 28th {sic}. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Yeas, none voting Nay, and none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of September 7, -- September 17th, 2007, I will read the salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be Assistant Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, for a term commencing July 3rd, 2007, and ending 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 January 19, 2009: Sharron Matthews. To be a member of the Illinois International Port District, for a term commencing August 21st, 2007, and ending June 1st, 2010: Dean Maragos. To be a member of the Prisoner Review Board, for a term commencing August 20th, 2007, and ending January 21st, 2013: Thomas Johnson. To be a member of the State Police Merit Board, for a term commencing August 20th -- August 30th, 2007, and ending March 21st, 2013: Kenneth Schloemer. To be a member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, for a term commencing August 30th, 2007, and ending May 1st, 2011: Thomas Canham. To be a member and Chair of the Illinois State Tollway Highway Authority -- Toll Highway Authority, for a term commencing August 30th, 2007, and ending May 1st, 2011: John Mitola. To be the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, for a term commencing September 14, 2007, and ending January 1st, 2009: Milton Sees. To be the Assistant Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, for a term commencing August 23rd, 2007, and ending January 19th, 2009: Sergio Estrada. To be members of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, for terms commencing August 16th, 2007, and ending January 17th, 2011: David Gore and Molly Mason. To be a member of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, for a term commencing September 1st, 2007, and ending January 17th, 2011: Kevin Lamborn. 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 To be a member and Chair of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, for a term commencing August 16th, 2007, and ending January 17th, 2011: Dennis Ruth. Madam President, having read the salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of September 17th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of September 17th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 -- 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of October 4th, 2007, I will read the salaried appointment of which 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To -- to be the Director of the Department of Public Health, for a term commencing October 1st, 2007, and ending January 19th, 2009: Damon Arnold. Madam President, having read the salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of October 4th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of October 4th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 October 11th, 2007, I will read the salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, for a term commencing October 11, 2007, and ending May 1st, 2011: David Andalcio. To be a member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, for a term commencing October 11th, 2007, and ending May 1st, 2009: James Banks. Madam President, having read the salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of October 11th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of October 11th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

Madam President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of May 28th {sic}, 2007, I will read the non-salaried appointment of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, for a term commencing May 21st, 2007, and ending June 30th, 2009: Kathleen Ryg. Madam President, having read the non-salaried appointment from the Governor’s Message of May 28th {sic}, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from the Governor’s Message of May 28th {sic}. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

…President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of May -- September 17th, 2007, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Illinois Medical District in Springfield Commission, formerly known as the Springfield Medical District, for a term commencing July 5th, 2007, and ending June 30th, 2011: Bradley Schaive. To be a member of the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees, for a term commencing August 30th, 2007, and ending January 17th, 2011: Omar Duque. To be a member of the Ticket for a Cure, for a term commencing August 16th, 2007: Senator Mattie Hunter. Madam President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of September 17th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read by the Governor’s Message of September 17th? All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

…President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of October 4th, 2007, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Illinois Finance Authority, for a term commencing September 20th, 2007, and ending July 21st, 2008: April Verrett. To be a member of the Medical Disciplinary Board, for a term commencing September 19th, 2007, and ending January 1st, 2010: Robert Fernandez. To be a member of the Medical Disciplinary Board, for a term commencing September 19th, 2007, and ending January 1st, 2008: Homero Tristan. To be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board, for a term commencing September 20th, 2007, and ending January 17, 2011: Philip Gruber. Madam President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of October 4, 2007, I now seek leave 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 to consider the appointments on a roll call. Madam President, will you put the question as required by our rules?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of October 4th. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Senator Hendon.

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Ladies and Gentlemen, on your desk if you can go to Supplemental Calendar No. 1, Motions in Writing Override Specific Recommendations. We will be going to House Bill 664. Senator Link, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the motion.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Senator Link, to explain your motion.

Thank you, Madam President. I probably could say I’m enthusiastically standing up here seeking an override, but it would be a lie. But I am standing up here asking for an override of the Governor’s -- Governor’s veto on a seven percent cap and I’m asking that we override this so that the people, predominantly in Cook County, can get their seven percent assessment relief and that the other tax advantages that are in this bill can become law like…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link, please, could you hold up a second? We cannot hear. This is a very big, important bill. If everybody could please keep it down so we can listen to Senator Link.

Thank you, Madam President. There are other things that are positive in this bill like disabled persons homestead exemption, disabled veterans homestead exemption, fallen veterans {sic} and rescue workers abatement, senior citizens assessment freeze, and, one of the most important things in this bill, a task force that will be appointed by all four Leaders of the caucuses to address property tax throughout the whole State of Illinois. And, that maybe we don’t have to come back here every year to address this issue. So, I would ask for affirmative vote on this and I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Maloney.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of this 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 legislation and I want to commend the sponsor for his hard work and diligent work on this. I know that there have been opposing forces on this bill, not necessarily in opposing it in principle, but in its details. And so this will, as the sponsor has indicated, provide -- relieve the anxiety of the Cook County taxpayers. It will provide stability. It will -- relieve the anxiety that right now many school administrators are going through, understanding what this bill will accomplish. So I rise in support of this and I am confident that the task force, as the Senator has indicated, will provide a framework in which we don’t have to revisit this issue every year. And again, I thank the sponsor for his support on this measure. I urge an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Hendon.

Thank -- thank you, Madam President. We need to make a few things clear before we vote on this override. First of all, what is it that we’re overriding? The Governor was right. What the Governor did in his veto was return the bill to its original form and strengthen it just a bit, the way the Senate had proposed it in the first place. I, too, want to commend Senator Link for his patience, because it’s taken a lot of patience to deal with the other side of the aisle -- I mean, across the Rotunda. The other side of the aisle has been fine, but the other side of the Rotunda, on this issue. So, what did the Governor do? What are we going to override? And, I’m going to vote with Senator Link for the override, because the people deserve something. But they actually deserve more than we’re giving ‘em here today. What the Governor did was make this cap permanent. And what’s wrong with that? Why should senior citizens and people who are struggling in regentrified {sic} communities have to worry every two or three years if they’re going to have to pay more taxes than they could afford? What’s wrong with making it permanent so that people who are at the last stages of their lives, who are in buildings where they have saved their life savings into those 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 properties? What’s wrong with making it permanent? The Governor made it permanent. We’re going to override him. We shouldn’t do it. But, they have us over a barrel, ‘cause it’s either we do this or the people of Cook County, especially, and the rest of the State suffer. There are people paying more on their property taxes than they are on their mortgages right now. Foreclosures are at an all-time high. And, yet, we can’t give permanent property tax relief to the people of Cook County and of this State. It is wrong. The Governor was correct. The Governor also raised the thresholds, raised the exemption level - forty thousand dollars, across the board. That’s what will give people, when you look at it with the seven percent, the property tax relief that they deserve. At one time we had it, under Senator Link, at sixty thousand. And that’s where it really should be. We need to give people relief in Cook County, right now. The people on the other side of the Rotunda, they have reasons why they did what they did. They were wrong, the Governor is right. But, reluctantly, because it’s this or the people suffer further damage, I’m going to support Senator Link here today. But it is even with a heavy heart that even the sponsors carries this today. He does it for the people. Because we should put the people first, the homeowners, the property owners and the renters first, before big business. I love big business, but guess what? If the people are forced out of Cook County, there will be no people to spend money with those businesses. There will be no people to -- to work at those businesses. So, we should put the people first. And, unfortunately, because this is only the -- the best thing we can possibly do, I’m going to reluctantly vote with Senator Link 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 today. But, the Governor was right. And, when we come back to this, hopefully, we will give the people permanent property tax relief throughout Cook County.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) AP seeks leave to take photographs. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Any further discussion? Senator Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.

Thank you, Senator. First of all, I’m not the clerk or the assessor, but speaking to the assessor’s office, this is already calculated because they knew what this bill was. After the vote today, if the vote is an affirmative vote with over thirty-six votes, it automatically is law the minute we pass it. So, the clerk and the assessors can go into immediate action. So they are telling me that probably the first part of November the 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 people will be getting their tax bills. And I don’t want to be the bearer of sad tidings, but that’s when they’re approximately looking at when they will be getting their bills.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …Link.

That is the approximate dates that I’ve been told, but don’t hold to me to those exact dates. But that’s the approximate dates I’ve been told.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.

Yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Any further discussion? Senator Raoul.

Thank you, Madam President. To the bill: I probably received more letters on this one issue than more than any other issue. I think one of my colleagues has characterized this issue as “our Ameren”, and it indeed is that type of situation for us. And it’s unfortunate that, as Senator -- Senator Hendon pointed out, that we’re held over a barrel on this issue because of the Legislative ping pong that has gone on throughout the Session on this issue and on -- on other issues. That an individual’s conflict of interest can prevail in this matter is -- is unfortunate, because it -- it -- it is the constituents that we represents -- it -- it -- it is their -- it is their well-being that we should be looking out for. And I commend Senator Link. He’s been putting this forth and he’s been strong in putting this forth throughout this Session. And, I commend the assessor as well for bringing this to our attention. And I feel -- schizophrenic in my position today ‘cause I am going to vote to override the Governor’s veto, which I agree with, which -- which really doesn’t make sense. But, we’re -- we’re held over a barrel. And I urge an Aye vote on this, simply because we’re held over a barrel because of the Legislative ping -- pong that has gone on and because of -- because of a conflict of interest.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Illinois Senate. I rise in support of the gentleman of Waukegan’s work on this effort providing property tax relief to the people of Illinois. 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 You know, there is no barrel, there’s no gun to anyone’s head. There is no ping pong that’s going back and forth. This is the right thing to do. It is about time. Yesterday, I was quoted -- today I was quoted in the paper as saying - and I stand firm to my -- to my quote - there is more democracy and more consensus- building in the Middle East than there is under the dome of the General Assembly. This is one -- this is one issue today -- this is one issue today where there has been consensus, bipartisanship, people working on both sides of the aisle. This is what we have all been called to do as Legislators, the give and the take, not my way or the highway, as known on the second floor of this State Capitol. Terry Link -- Senator Link, has done a yeoman’s job in bringing this compromise piece of legislation to the Floor of the Senate. I commend my President Emil Jones, Jr. and Speaker Michael Madigan for coming together and doing what’s right for the people of Illinois. Vote green.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Emil Jones.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Link, to close.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to all my colleagues. This is a long time coming. And, I want to rectify a few things before I continue on. There’s been a lot of disparaging comments made. But, one of ‘em took me very personal. When I think any colleague in this Chamber that has worked with me through the years that I’ve been in this Senate on both sides of the aisle, know one thing I have and that’s my word and my commitment. When I make my word to you, I keep it. And, I take great offense when somebody said that I lied and that I went against my word. And, I got to tell you one thing. There were only two people in the meeting, so I know what was said and I never went against my word. And when they said the President went against the word on that, he wasn’t even in the meeting. I was the negotiator on this bill. I know what was said in it. This is not the best bill we could pass out of this Chamber. We could do a lot better and we have passed a lot better of a bill out of here. But it is not the twelfth hour. It’s past the twelfth hour and the people need relief. But we’re doing something for ‘em and, we’re doing a commitment for ‘em. And, 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 this has been hovering over here for a long time. And I’ve had colleagues, I’ve had interest groups coming to me. And first of all, I want to commend those ladies and gentlemen in the House that stood up and voted for a better bill for the residents of Illinois and had the courage to do it, because it did take courage to do it. But we need something for them. But we’re going to put an issue to rest today, one of the big issues that’s been talked about for a long time in all of the big issues. And as I said, colleagues have been talking to me, “You got to do this. It’s important to my area. You got to do this. I’m getting all these phone calls. I’m getting all these e-mails. It’s an important issue. You got to do it.” Well, you know what? There’s other issues out there that are important to my area, to other areas of this State, but we’re not addressing ‘em. They’re big issues. The capital bill is a big issue. We passed out a bipartisan funding source for it. Let’s pass that so we help everybody in Illinois. We’re passing something here today that’s helping a part of Illinois and some segments of other parts of Illinois. This is the State of Illinois and we’re trying to help everybody in this State, I thought. I thought there’s twelve million-plus residents of this State. So let’s help every one of ‘em, and we can do it by putting all these issues to rest. And it’s time to do it. We’re putting this issue to rest. I’m like Senator Hendon, I’m reluctantly proposing this bill and this override, because it’s not the best one and I’m going to be voting Yes on it because we need to put this issue to rest. But let’s put the other issues to rest because I want to do what I think about a hundred seventy other Legislators want to do - because I don’t want to count everybody 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 - but, about a hundred and seventy other Legislators want to do, and that’s go home. And, I think what we could do is put these other issues to rest, if we put as much concern and as much pressure as we did on this issue and say enough is enough and let’s go home. So when you vote a green light today, you’re putting a green light to go. Let’s all vote green. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall the Senate pass House Bill 664, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 664, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Welcome to 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Springfield. Senate President Emil Jones, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Brady, did you say President Obama? Senator Brady.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) For some reason, I heard President Obama. Okay. If everybody can pick up that really heavy “Reader’s Digest” that’s on your desk, that I’ll call the Calendar. Get your weight- lifting exercises going. And, we’re going to turn to page -- we’re going to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading on page 32. With leave of the Body, we will be going to House Bill 4144. Senator Hendon, to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

Madam President, is the board correct? It’s… Thank you, Madam President. First, I’d like to thank Senator Crotty for her hard work on this issue. She worked long and hard in the interest of the home care workers of this State. She has done a wonderful job and I wanted to commend her on the work that she has done and the advice that she has given me as it relates to this State and as it relates to this issue within this State. 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 House Bill 4144 appropriates money to the Department of Aging in order to increase the rate, the reimbursement rate for home care workers and provide health care insurance for these employees. As many of you know, these workers do great work at personal sacrifice. They take care of those who need it the most, and yet they are severely underpaid. They often work without insurance. These workers, many of ‘em make less than a person in a fast food restaurant, but yet they take care of the sick, the elderly, the aging. They deserve this small increase. Actually, the increase is not large enough. And, I’ve said that time and time again. The additional dollar and seventy cents a hour still will only get ‘em in the area of eight dollars and eighty cents per hour. I’ll be happy to answer any questions. I know there will be some, so I’ll save some of my comments for that time.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is -- is there any discussion? Senator Radogno.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

Could you explain how the dollar thirty-three that is allocated for the insurance will work?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Senator Hendon.

It -- it is expected that the -- the dollar thirty-three will go towards a health care program, which will be paid to the vendors and then they will provide the health coverage for the employees.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

That is a wonderful question, Senator, and something that we most certainly wanted to make sure that that, in fact, was the case. It would be wrong to give the money to the vendors and then they don’t give insurance to the workers. So, that is a excellent question. And, the answer is yes. And, we will continue to monitor the situation to make sure that the vendors are doing the right thing by their employees. That’s a excellent question. I appreciate you asking it.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Crotty.

First of all, I’d like to thank Senator Hendon for recognizing me as one of his chief cosponsors. And just to follow up, I think all of us know that there’s such a turnover - and I mentioned this in committee - with home care workers. And 28  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 in this legislation, it is specific that these dollars go for a raise and to go toward health insurance. Many years that we’ve been here, we give vendors an increase, but sometimes we’ve never seen those increases filter down to the employees that do the work. So for all of us, who have had an opportunity to have home care workers help any of our friends or our family members, this is a time that I’d like to also give them great thanks and appreciation and I also urge an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Garrett.

Thank you. Will the sponsor yield?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

I, too, am obviously for this bill. But, I do have a question that I asked in committee and the question is, the threshold dollar -- the number of hours that a home care worker is employed before he or she gets the insurance.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

That’s twenty hours or more per week.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett.

So, and so my question is -- my worry is, is that if there’s a small percentage of the home care workers who work more than twenty hours, are we diluting this by not providing more 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 coverage, more insurance coverage, because possibly a majority of the home care workers work less than twenty hours. I asked the question. They were going to get those numbers to me. And, I never received them.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator…

And -- and the reason I’m concerned is that obviously the point of the -- to make sure that we provide as much insurance to as many people as possible.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …Hendon.

Senator, I agree with you. Fortunately, most of the workers do work more than twenty hours a week. If we find that we’re missing a pool of workers who work less, then we can always come back and tweak it. It will be my commitment to do so, but I would urge all of them to seek at least twenty hours a week just for the economics of it. Anything less than that - with gas being so high, with transportation and heaven forbid to have to eat lunch - you know, they’re really not making -- that’s one reason we’re raising the -- the salaries, the wages a bit because they’re really not making any money if they’re working less than twenty hours a week. So we want to encourage them and -- and -- and see that everyone would get at least those many hours.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett, your light wasn’t on. I see that you want to speak again. Senator Garrett.

30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Finally, is there a way to get some sort of an assessment or report on this just to make sure that we are in sync with what your legislation proposes to do?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.

Absolutely. Senator Crotty, Senator Collins, Trotter and myself, who also was carrying this bill at one time, Senator Martinez, who I have discussed it with, will certainly monitor the situation to make sure it works for the workers.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Watson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Got you all… You know what, Senator? I got you all choked up.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Jacobs.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise in strong support of the -- the -- the Senator’s bill. This is very important. But I think one thing that we’re not doing here that needs to be taken care of is the AFSCME employees, as well. We have frontline 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 State workers in Illinois who don’t have enough help and we’re remiss as a Body by not taking care of this fact.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon, to close.

Thank you, Madam President. Senator Jacobs, I appreciate you supporting this particular issue, especially with the situation with AFSCME. And, I know how sincerely you feel about that, and Senator Sullivan as well. I agree, but we agreed to try to get this out of here as a clean bill and that’s why we’re -- we’re doing this as a clean bill today. Also, I want to thank Senator Radogno and Leader Watson for understanding the issue. And, -- and actually being, as you said, Frank, three years ago, at the forefront of this issue in making sure that these workers get a better pay for what they do. ‘Cause it is very serious, what they do. And many of us, and many people out in the community, would not take on this kind of work. I also would like to say to some of my colleagues, who were kind of set upon by the leadership on this issue of the local, they -- they’ve apologized. They didn’t really mean it. You know, sometimes they - in their zest - you hurt the ones that closest to you, the ones that love you the most. They kind of did that. But, it’s for the workers we’re doing this today. And we can always talk to the leaders of the particular union, but they need to know that -- stay with -- dance with the one you came to the party with. You know, people who have been with you, stick with them, that’s the way to get things done. Our Governor, I also want to point out in closing, is also in favor of this and I’d appreciate an Aye vote. 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 4144 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, 1 Nay, none voting Present. Senate -- House Bill 4144, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator, the record shall so reflect your intention on 664. Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Linda. You always come up with so many great ideas. We love you. Our next bill will be at the top of page 33 in House Bills 3rd Reading. It’s 4148. Senator Forby, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Thank you. House Bill 4148 is a special ed hold harmless bill. What we done three years ago is pass a bill that left schools hold harmless. Made sure they got the same money they got year before. For some reason this year it got by us. So what we’re doing today is passing a hold harmless bill -- to extend it from now on, where schools get paid at least the same amount as they done the year before. So, I ask for your vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any…

And this bill -- and another thing, this -- this is on both sides of the aisle there’s two hundred and fifty schools in this that’s going to get hurt on this, so this -- this bill that everybody -- will help everybody in the State of Illinois.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Cullerton.

Yes, thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. I just wanted to announce that we have been in Session so many days this year that I actually understood everything that Gary Forby just said.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Okay. It doesn’t look like anybody wants to follow that, so if there are no further questions, we are not going to allow you 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 to close, Senator Forby, because you might go backwards on that. The question is, shall House Bill 4148 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. House Bill 4148, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Forby.

Mr. Cullerton, you know there’s a lot of times I don’t understand what you say. You come kind of off the wall. You know, I don’t know if people from up north does that every now and then, but I just want to thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) With that, Rules Committee has to meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Senator Righter, this is our last bill. We can -- we have a death resolution that we need to do, too, so we’ll give you till 12:30, twenty minutes. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The Senate will come to Order. Will all Members please come to the Senate Chambers? Madam Secretary, have we received any motions from the sponsor regarding the Governor’s veto of items in House Bill 3866?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Let it be printed on the Calendar. All Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Chambers. Madam Secretary, have we received any motions from any other Members regarding the Governor’s vetoes of items in House Bill 3866?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Let them be printed on the Calendar. Madam Secretary, have we received any motions from the sponsor regarding the Governor’s reduction of items in House Bill 3866?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Let it be printed on the Calendar. Madam Secretary, have we received any motions from other Members regarding the Governor‘s reduction of items in House Bill 3866?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Let them be printed on the Calendar. All Members please come to the Senate Chambers immediately. All Members please come to the Senate Chambers. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read into today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, have there been any objections filed 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. We will now proceed to page 33 of the Calendar. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your Calendar to page 33, top of the page. House Bills 3rd Reading. We will be going to House Bill 4149. If everybody would open their Calendar to page 33. Top of page 33, House Bills 3rd Reading, 4149. Senator Forby, do you wish to proceed? Senator Forby seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4149 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4149. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, to explain your amendment.

Thank you. Amendment -- Floor Amendment No. 1 is restoring funding that -- reduced by the government. And what is does is restore from Department of Corrections -- over seven thousand {sic} dollars for personal service; over -- over a hundred thousand dollars to {sic} GRF; five hundred thousand dollars GR for Social Security. And, Department of Human Service division 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 and the Human Capital Development, which was reduced by the Governor, is -- is another over a hundred thousand {sic} dollars GRF; over two hundred thousand dollars to retirement; hundred -- over a hundred thousand, social security. Same as Department of Human Service, four hundred -- thousand {sic} dollars GRF; seven hundred thousand dollars GR for retirement. And, the Department of Juvenile Justice is over a hundred thousand dollars GRF, personal service; three hundred -- over three hundred thousand dollars for retirement; over a hundred thousand dollars for social security. That’s what the amendment is. The -- House Bill 4149. And House Bill 4149 is restoring the twenty-two million dollars for -- for education, to supplement education.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Senator Delgado, do you want discussion on the amendment? Senator Delgado.

Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

Senator Forby, I notice -- absent on this list is the Department of Children and Family Services. Can you address that?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

It’s not included.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Senator Delgado.

…me -- can you help me understand why not? The Department of Children and Family Services have been historically under- funded and more so on bilingual by worker level and, heck, we’re not even at par. Can you help me understand where the priorities are at on that?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

I understand what you’re saying. I don’t know what people say their priorities are, where the priorities go. This is a step in the right direction, I think. And so this is what -- I’ve got on this amendment, so that’s -- that’s why I’m running it.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Delgado, you just have to put your light on so that I know you’re still contemplating. Senator Delgado.

Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. It is vital that we have a comprehensive approach and I’m encouraged that this is in the right direction. I want to commend the sponsor. However, once again - and I’ll be brief - let’s put a face on -- let’s -- well, as brief as I can be without risking the best interest of the child for those of you who are in a hurry -- but to keep in mind that workers are out there with hundreds of cases and with inadequate operating tools to get out there and see the children that are definitely in a complex 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 situation and parents that come along with ‘em. We have to continue to do the right thing, as the Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees and the Latino Caucus and others have worked diligently to make sure that all children in this State are serviced. And I would ask that you join me in making sure that we continue to advocate that we get at least slots and -- and -- and have some kind of grid sheet to understand where those needs are at, identify those needs and at least address them incrementally. I’m a patient man, however, to not have them on this sheet, I think we’re doing a disservice and this work is not complete, although I will step in the way of this particular amendment. I do say, caution to the wind. I pray and I’m -- and I have confidence, since it’s come this far, that we’ll continue these conversations. Thank you, Madam President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion on the amendment? Senator Crotty.

Thank you, Madam President. Also on the same -- the same vein that the previous speaker spoke, I notice that we also aren’t including the COLA for the -- those who work with persons with developmental disabilities. And I know how long and hard we’ve discussed this and we’ve worked for it and I’m wondering why that was left out of this supplemental bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

I’m not sure why it was left out of it. I agree with both of the sponsors -- said that we need to just keep working on it and work -- and doing that. And I’m there with you. I do think 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 they need to be worked on and today this is the -- this is the best I can do. I’m going to take what I can get. I’m going to run with it. But, I’m still going to work with both of you guys to help get something done, down the road.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …Crotty.

Thank you. And I also want to commend you for carrying the bill and working on this, but I look forward to working with you and looking forward to more supplementals that’ll address these. Thanks.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Trotter.

Thank you very much, Madam President, Members of the Senate. I just want to reiterate what I said yesterday that we are looking at the entire override bill or document that was given to us by the Governor and came from the House. And so there will be additional supplementals and can’t say for certain if all the concerns that individuals are talking about, but based on the amount of revenues that we have and the things that we can pay for, there certainly -- these are the kinds of things that we’ll be prioritizing as we go forward.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Haine.

Thank you very much, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Quite briefly, I appreciate very much this amendment coming to the Floor. As the Senator indicated so ably, 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 this is a step in the right direction. Rome wasn’t rebuilt in a day, I suppose. And I agree with Senator Crotty and Senator Delgado’s comments completely. And, just want to add, an institution that’s frequently left out is the State Police. It’s been brought to my attention the last few days, by the -- a couple of State’s attorneys, that the forensic laboratory is in great need of an infusion of -- of money. Perhaps that can be done in the capital bill. But certainly that is a need which isn’t publicized, but it become -- becomes a problem in the court system and it’s something that threatens the fairness and the accuracy of evidence presented in a court. It could mean justice delayed or certainly -- or justice gone awry. And, I would add that to the -- the -- to those lists of -- of items. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi.

Thank you, Madam President. I just rise in strong support of this legislation. I want to thank Senator Forby for his leadership on this. I also want to thank the men and women in this Chamber that are fighting hard so we can restore funding for those men and women who are on the front lines across the State of Illinois in our prisons and other State facilities. This really does affect men and women who are working hard to make sure that we are safe and that we have the kinds of facilities in this State that we can be proud of. We do have farther to go and I’m very happy to hear Senator Forby stand up, along with many of us, to say we’re going to continue to work on additional funding to make sure that all of these positions can be restored. And so, Senator Forby, on behalf of all the men and women that work 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 in our State facilities, thank you, and let’s continue this work as we go through our business the remainder of this year.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Garrett.

Thank you, Madam Chair. To the sponsor, I have a question. Would you yield?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

We do a lot of work in our part of -- the northern part of the State on flooding issues, water issues, and I noticed that when the Governor -- when some of these items were vetoed from the bill, DNR is maybe out about over a million dollars. And this is not something that we can neglect and hope that someday, you know, just magically we’re going to be able to address some of these issues without staff. So I’m wondering if you are (a) aware of that and if you were, why -- why did that happen?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …Forby.

Yes. I’m aware of a lot of things that’s happened in the budget that we didn’t get. I -- I was looking forward to getting everything that we talked about in budget. You know, the State of Illinois is short every place you look: DNR, IDOT, Corrections, Human Service. I mean, I don’t know of any place that we can’t say that works in the State of Illinois is not a shortage. So, today, I agree with you. I -- I think that DNR needs more people and this is a -- this is a step forwards and 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 like Mr. Trotter said a while ago, this is -- probably will not be the last one. This is something we need to work on and try to keep going. And I think this is just a step in the right step. Of course, I’d like to see everybody -- what everybody says in here put back in the budget and I don’t know, is it today? This -- this is the best I can do here today.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett.

To the amendment. I -- I really appreciate what Leadership has done to restore some of these much needed funds. My concern is and it -- and it started really yesterday is that we do find out about these restorations really as a Legislator, rank and file Legislator, at the last minute and there’s really nothing we can do or say to find out exactly why some of these funds have been omitted and not restored. And I think these are all important questions that are coming up. But it really speaks to the process that we have to do a much better job of informing Legislators, as well as -- as the organizations who are seeking to get their funds restored. So, I hope in the future - as we have heard from Senator Trotter - that there is a commitment to do more, that the process is much more informative every step of the way. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Dillard.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 The sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Well, as you know, this bill, what I brung up, was -- 4149 and it was for special ed and that’s what I’ve been working on. This bill, the amendment, just came up today. I did not have time long enough to work on it, so they -- so I agreed to have this amendment put on my bill today because I think this is important. I think everything else that all the Legislators are talking about are very important, too. You know, I -- I’m willing to work on that the see if we can go further down the 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 road.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Sullivan.

Thank you, Madam President. To the bill. Senator Forby, I want to thank you for bringing this bill to the Floor. I know that each and every one of us, each and every one of us have heard from our constituents that have been affected by, you know, the budget and the budget process. And I just want to reiterate, as Senator Trotter said and as you have said, Senator Forby, that we are trying to work together to restore as much funding as we possibly can. This is a step in the right direction. It’s a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction. And I know that you have committed to continue to work on this process. I do likewise. Senator Trotter and many of our colleagues will. Our -- our goal is to try to address and -- and resolve the issues that the State is facing. And, again, this is a step in the right direction.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion on the amendment? We’re still on the amendment. Senator Bomke. Further discussion on the amendment? Senator Brady, on the amendment.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion on the amendment? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your inquiry.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Yes. …Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …further discussion? Senator Demuzio.

Thank -- thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to also add my thank you to Senator Forby for bringing this House Bill 4149 with the amendment to the Floor. This is a small but significant step in the right direction and I know that as we work through this process, and it is a process, that we will be hopefully 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 seeing some additional supplemental additions to -- to this to our Chamber. Again, I applaud the Senator for his tenacity and also all of the Members on the Floor for working very diligently to assure that we support the working men and women that are in the Department of Corrections and Department of Human Services and Juvenile Justice Systems, as we are today. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion on the amendment? Senator Luechtefeld.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator, you’ll have to fill out a form for that.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

That was all agencies.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Yes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

The supplemental is just a part of the underlying bill. The item appropriation for twenty-two {sic} million dollars for schools - that’s the original bill and that money is still in there.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Raoul.

Question of the sponsor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

Would -- did you have something you wanted to say with regards to the comments of the last speaker?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, will have plenty of time to close. Senator Raoul. 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007

You’re not carrying this bill for a head -- for purposes of headlines or anything like that are you?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Absolutely not. And since you brung that up, I will probably say something else that - Mr. Luechtefeld, I’d liked you to listen to me - there’s no way that I’m phony. I’ve never been phony and I’m not phony and I want you to remember that. I am doing this for the good of the people. I am not -- I know it’s not enough. I know it’s not right. I know we need to do more, but I am not phony.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Noland.

Thank you, Madam President. I, too, have been troubled by the process here and as you may recall from last night, in my votes as a Present on some of the overrides. I object to the fact that we’re being arbitrary, and, if you will, in a sense capricious, in the way that we’re selecting who’s benefiting from this process and who is -- who is not. Now, I’d like things made a little bit more clear to me, too. But I take it at -- out of - - out of hand that we are not seeking headlines. We’re not playing games in this particular bill. This is a bill. It’s not the override. It’s a different way of going about getting this essential funding that our frontline service providers at our human service facilities, mental health facilities, our DOC facilities require. And, I for one, having gone through the 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 agonizing process of sorting out whether we should be in support of the separate bill versus looking at it through the overrides as we have on these other bills, having to settle for less in the way that we’re going about our process here. So, I, reluctantly, will be supporting this bill. And, I urge those who might be riding the fence on this to consider to do likewise.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion on the amendment? Senator Lightford.

Thank you, Madam President. To the bill. I rise in support of this legislation. And, especially from -- coming from the Department of Corrections - I actually did my graduate work there and worked for the Department for a couple years - and I spent a lot of times in many of the different prisons. And, it’s so important that we protect the staff there and we provide them with all the essential services, because their lives is truly at risk. And, if nothing else, we should make sure that we do that before we leave here during veto Session. As I look at the Juvenile Justice Department, it’s clearly an add-on to the adult facilities. If we do not address the needs at the juvenile facilities, it would just be continuous carry-over. These young people will go from juvenile facilities to the adult facilities and just live their lives in the penal system. It’s costing us millions of dollars to just allow them to live in the penal system all their lives. And, so, if nothing else, we can protect the workers. When you have individuals who feel they have nothing to live for, that they’ve been sentenced to life, they have nothing else to do but to sit back and think about what they can do to put those men and women in -- in -- in danger. And, 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 so, it’s so important that we do all that we can to ensure safety for those individuals. And, least but not, DHS, oh my, they’re already understaffed. The -- the public service that’s being put out from that department is nowhere near the level that it should be. And, we should make sure that we protect the social security and all of the benefits of the staff members that are currently overworked and overstaffed {sic} and just let them know that we care about them as our State employees. And, so, Madam President, I rise in strong support of this legislation and I would encourage all of us to just take a look at this and -- and vote Aye.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion on the amendment? Senator Cronin.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 I personally would not agree to do that. If the people votes it down, that would be a way that they can table it. And, I’d like to see a vote that people thinks the way I think is -- I’m not doing this to get with the press. I -- I don’t care if they mention a word what I say today about this. And, I’m not interested in doing that. That’s just a part of -- more money, you might say, forty million dollars here to put back into the budget. And, where I come from, that’s not peanuts.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Luechtefeld, for a second time.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld, please keep your comments to the bill, please. Senator Luechtefeld.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is that a question, Senator Luechtefeld?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Because we’re not going to partake in back and forth banter on personalities.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, answer the question and we need to move on.

What was the question? Would you repeat -- would you repeat the question?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, you could answer that if you’d like or we can move on. Senator Forby.

I want to thank you, Mr. Luechtefeld, for saying that I’m not phony. I appreciate that and I don’t have another word for this what you saying and who’s -- who knows this is not going any place? I think it is going some place. So, I think it will go some place. How can you tell these people that you’re going to give them twenty million dollars and you’re not going to give it to ‘em? I mean, that’s all I’m here today -- I’m just trying to help. I’m trying to do what I can do. It’s not enough. I agree 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 with you. It’s not near enough. But -- I didn’t have much time today. This is all I had and I’m running the bill. It costs twenty million dollars here in this -- amendment, Floor Amendment No. 1, is quite a bit of money. I know it’s not enough, but it’s still yet quite a bit of money.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion on the amendment? Senator Jacobs.

I rise in -- strong support of the gentleman’s amendment or agreement. You know, we don’t get to deal with perfect worlds in the -- in the Illinois Legislature. Sometimes we don’t get everything we want. And, I would very much like to vote on the complete -- override of budget, too, because I think we would sustain it. But, look, I’m -- I’m smart enough to understand that we’re not going to get everything we want here. But, this is real life, folks. This is real people that need real help. I have correctional workers that are in dangerous situations. I have youth -- youth -- youth correctional officers that are finding themselves being raped by inmates. So, we need to put some more people on the streets. I don’t care how we do it. I commend Senator Forby for trying to do the right thing. And, I will tell you, Senator, this bill does have a place where it’s going. It’s going to the Illinois House after we move it through the Illinois Senate.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) We have further discussion, but let me remind everybody about the rules. We are not allowed to describe personalities or motives. If someone brings either of them up, I will turn the microphone off. Further discussion? Senator Koehler. 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007

Thank you, Madam President. Question for the sponsor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

Senator Forby, we’ve heard a lot of back and forth about, you know, whether this is a sincere effort, whether it’s going to actually succeed and I just wanted to have you reiterate, if you would, that this is a step, in that we come back and we continue to work on other issues where we need other funding. Is that -- is that your intention with this?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Yes, it is.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Koehler.

I want to offer my support for this as well. Because if -- if this were a perfect world, we could all, you know, choose how we wanted to handle this, it might be one thing, but this is what’s before us right now. And this funds some areas that are very critical to the State. I have been in the prison in my district. I can tell you, right now, that they are so short- staffed that in some cases they rely on other inmates to help quell fights, if they break out in the yard. This is not the way to run a prison system in this State. If we don’t begin to address some of these issues immediately and provide these kinds of funding, then I think we’re going to be in trouble and 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 certainly putting our employees in harm’s way. It may not be perfect. It may not be the exact direction we want to go, but I think this is a step in the right direction. And I would ask for an Aye vote as well.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Further discussion? Senator Sieben.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Althoff.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

I think you’re doing that today and I think everybody in this room is doing that today. They’re saying this is not enough. Everybody is agreeing to that. Everybody says we need to sit down and work together and try to get something done. I think you’re -- whatever you’re saying is right. You know, when I first had this bill, it was on the education. And, you know, today, this amendment come up to me today. I didn’t -- didn’t have time to do a lot of looking at it. But, I do think there’s some very important things on this amendment. And, I do agree what everybody’s saying in here today. I am not disagreeing with anybody in this room on both sides of the aisle that -- this not enough. And I’ll agree to do that. And, you know, I’m agreeing to work with -- on trying to get something else, more done. But, right now, this is all I have.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Althoff.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

This is not an override. This is a appropriation. So the override bill still can come up. All that still come. Today, this is just appropriation bill, not an override bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Althoff.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Trotter, for a second time, short second time.

And -- and I do and I apologize for rising a second time. But -- and I can feel everyone’s pain here where we’re going, but we going -- you’re going to have a chance here with House Bill 3866, we have another 2.2 million dollars for the eighty additional beds at LaSalle Veterans’ Home. We have more dollars here for the appellate prosecutors -- more dollars -- we have another seven hundred and forty-eight dollars for the -- public 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 defender, another six million dollars for -- for human services, TANF. We’re going to get a chance to vote on these bills. This is the bill that’s before us today. We know what the priorities are and we’re still listening to get some more of those priorities and address them as the revenues -- as we can reassess what our revenue stream is going to be. So we are going to do that. We are listening. We are responsible. We are conscientious and we are going to do the right thing for the people of Illinois. Today, we have an opportunity to vote on this bill and I ask for everyone to give him his Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4149. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4149. Senator Forby, I’m sure you wish to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Thank you. Yesterday, I think I passed House Bill 4148. I 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 gave hold harmless to the kids in the State of Illinois. There’s over two hundred and fifty schools that -- on both sides of the aisle that needs it very, very bad. And when you do that, you know, they only got to have appropriation bill. So in this bill, the 4149 is a twenty-one million-dollar appropriation bill. It goes into ’08. All this does make sure from now on there is a hold harmless for the -- for the schools that falls behind. And, today, I just ask you to vote for this appropriation bill on 4149.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.

Madam Secretary, I’d like to move the previous question.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you. Senator Martinez, there are four -- five speakers. Discussion? Senator Lightford.

Thank you, Madam President. To the -- to the bill. I’d just like to acknowledge that the Illinois State Board of Education needs more, but I’m really glad that we’re looking at a sunset that came upon us dealing with special education and that we’re acknowledging the need to fund that appropriation line. And I, too, Senator Althoff, would like to see a whole lot more happen in terms of gifted education. Five million dollars there needs to be restored and the sixty positions that needs to be filled for our agency to run adequately. So, Senator Forby, I appreciate you taking the first step in making sure that our person -- our special education obligations are being met and I hope that we go a lot further with the Illinois State Board of 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Education.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Le me remind everybody, the bill -- the amendment was debated at length. If you’ve already heard your statement, turn your light off and keep it to the bill only - no personalities, no motives. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

No, this is just for special ed and staffing.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …Righter

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

No. What I am trying to do is help some school district in your district that’s fell behind. This is -- will do big in your district.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Does this have something to do with the bill we’re speaking of, Senator Righter?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, you don’t have to answer that question. The process is not your -- your responsibility. Senator Righter, do you have anything else?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Today, you know, I feel like this is a part of my personal - - personal -- I think personal for myself and I think it’s personal for everybody else in this room that falls through the cracks that -- that are -- that are not held hold harmless. And 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 I, you know, I’m -- it’s all, you know, the here -- why we’re here today is about the kids. This is exactly what this bill is today is about the kids. So that’s why I think that the Governor is going to have a hard time vetoing this bill for -- and for the working men and women. I mean, I -- I -- I’ve came up hard work. I don’t know of any other way. I’m for working men and women. I’m for kids. That’s why I’m running this bill today.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter, how many more questions do you have? ‘Cause maybe we need to go to the clock. Are you about done?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

No, I have not talked to the Governor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Forby {sic}.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sieben -- Syverson, he has answered that question. We are the Senate. We don’t know what the House is going to do. Next question, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Syverson, you could actually go across the hall and find the answer to that yourself, but we’ll give Senator Forby the opportunity to answer.

I think that question would have to be answered from Mr. Madigan. He runs the show over there.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Yes, I will.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Syverson.

And same…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …apologize, Senator Forby.

Same way in your district, too, that, you know, there’s three hundred and fifty thousand dollars in this bill for your district, too.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

One thing I would like to clarify and I’d like the Secretary do this. 4149 has never went to the Governor. Has never been vetoed, right?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, she cannot answer from the Podium. Please proceed.

Would you recall the question again?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sieben {sic}, you have four seconds to close.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Final question and then Senator Syverson…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Repeating myself one more time, this bill has never been into the Governor’s Office and has never been vetoed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno, that has nothing to do with the bill we’re 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 talking to. Senator Radogno.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

No. I -- I answered that question once before. This is for staffing and special ed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

Doing exactly what we’re doing today. Doing exactly what we’re doing on the Floor. Listening to everybody’s issues and our issues and so everybody will get together on both sides of the aisle. It’s just not one side of the aisle. Both sides of the aisle has done that and in working together to get something done, that’s the way things happen.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno, with your last twenty-nine seconds.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …indicates he’ll yield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.

I have not talked to AFSCME on this -- on this bill, but I would think that something is better than nothing. And, I’ve talked to AFSCME before that I would keep working with them, try to get them more -- more people. I have four prisons in my district. I know the issues that AFSCME got. I know they’re short-handed. I do know they need more -- more people.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Perfect timing, Senator Watson. Senator Emil Jones.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, to close.

First thing I want to do, I want to thank everybody on both sides of the aisle that get up and what they’ve said. And I 80  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 appreciate what everybody says. And, I do realize that they need to be more money. And, another thing, I want to apologize, myself, for getting a little crazy here on the Floor and I know - - but I guess the reason why I probably done that, I come from a district - all we have is working men and women and kids. We don’t have no big factories. We don’t have no big jobs. All I’ve got in my district is working men and women. And I think this bill goes a long way for them. It don’t go -- it -- I agree with every -- each and every -- it don’t go far enough, don’t go far enough. On both sides of the aisle -- realize that. And, you know, I want more. Today, this is the best I can do. I just ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 4149 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 33 Yeas, 4 voting Nay, 18 voting Present. House Bill 4149, having not received the required constitutional majority, is declared failed. At this time… Senator Righter, you don’t have any need to ask for a verification, obviously?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Just want to make sure. Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be going to a death resolution. I will need everybody in their seats, please, and your solemn attention. Will the Members 81  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 please be in their seats? Will the staff please retire to the gallery? And will the doormen please secure the doors? Madam Secretary, Resolutions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jones moves for the suspension of the Senate rules for the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 387. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Emil Jones, on the resolution.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Jones. Senator Wilhelmi.

Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution. I had the great privilege of knowing George Sangmeister very well. I also had the privilege of practicing law with him. He was a law partner of mine. But my most important privilege was being mentored by George Sangmeister. As the Senate President just said, he was a very humble man, very modest, did not seek attention. But he was very fair and effective as a Legislator. He told me once, “Remember why you’re there and remember that you work for the people.” Sometimes we tend to forget that. But, I won’t forget that as long as the words of George Sangmeister are in my mind, and they will be, hopefully, there for the rest of my life. He once told me, “Always ask when you have a critical issue, what’s best for the people? And if you ask that question, A.J., you will find the answer.” He also was a man of his word. He told the story once of, right after President Clinton took office in 1993, the issue of NAFTA was one of his most critical issues and he pushed hard for NAFTA. George Sangmeister talked to the labor community in Joliet and they asked him and they begged him, please vote No on NAFTA. And he told them, “You have 83  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 my word. I’ll be a No.” Soon after he told them that, President Clinton called Sangmeister and said, “Come on for a ride with me on Air Force One. I want to talk with you about NAFTA.” Of course the Congressman obliged the President. And, after an hour of discussing the bill, President Clinton turned to George and said, “So can I count on you?” And, he turned to the President and he said, “Mr. President, I -- I cannot be with you on this bill. It’s bad for the people of my district and in addition, I told them that I would vote No and I’m not changing my position.” That sums up George Sangmeister - to the point, fair and honest, a man of integrity and a great friend to the people of Will County, to the State of Illinois and to this country. As I continue in this job, I will remember George Sangmeister. I will remember his lessons, his life lessons, not just his political lessons, and I know that his memory will live on in this very important Body because of what he meant to the people of this Body and to the people of the State of Illinois. My dear friend will be missed.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Wilhelmi. Senator Dillard.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Dillard. Senator Cullerton.

Yes. Thank you, Madam President. Just briefly, I served in the House as the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee when George Sangmeister was the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the Senate. And many, many years ago, for you younger Members, you probably never heard of this, but we used to have a thing called Conference Committees and it was after there was two different 85  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 versions of bills, we would resolve that by meeting, actually meeting. Ten of us would sit down in both parties and George and I had many of those and he was a very, very good lawyer, a -- really a very good politician, well respected, as Senator Dillard said, by both sides of the aisle. When he became a Congressman, I actually went on a trip with he and his wife to Israel. And, I’ll never forget going to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum with him where he was -- he was a Congressman at the time, in fact Congressman Durbin was with us at the time and he was -- he was truly moved by that experience. Really a great man. And, these death resolutions are important, I think. We all know that all of us are going to have a death resolution, eventually, read about us. And wouldn’t it be nice for all of us to have such nice things said about ‘em? But it really, really is true in the case of George Sangmeister.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Cullerton. Senator Watson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Watson. Senator Jones now moves for the 87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 104th Legislative Day 10/12/2007 adoption of Senate Resolution 387. All those in favor of this resolution please rise. The resolution is adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, regular Session of the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, October 17, 2007, in perfunctory Session and each Wednesday thereafter in perfunctory Session, until such time as the Senate assembles in regular, veto or other Session pursuant to the schedule established and published by the State -- Senate President. 88